Ralph Charles Pfenninger, 90, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away on April 1, 2023.
Ralph was born on November 10, 1932 to Alice Dicus and Ralph E. Pfenninger in Scott City, KS, spending his early years growing up on the farm.
Ralph married the love of his life, Billee Jeanne Maxwell in 1949. The two spent the first five years of their marriage farming before moving to Hutchinson, KS to pursue what would be the start of a successful career in business. In that time the two had three children, Steve, Lewis, and Susan. Ralph and Billee Jeanne would go on to be married for 73 years, serving as a guidepost of love, trust, and stability for all who were lucky enough to witness their immense love for one another.
Ralph and Billee Jeanne moved to Oklahoma City, OK in 1977 where he owned R&L Texaco for nearly 30 years prior to retiring at age 62. Ralph spent his retired years volunteering for Provide-A-Ride for 17 years, logging nearly 5,000 hours taking people to doctor’s appointments and doing something he did best in all aspects of his life, providing thoughtful conversation and making people smile with his one-of-a-kind sense of humor.
Ralph could often be found with a fishing pole in hand, hunting with family in Kansas, reading a book in his recliner or woodworking. A devoted husband and father, Ralph truly shined as the quintessential grandpa. He clocked countless hours supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren at the ballfield, grandparents’ days at school, plays, giving wise words of wisdom like “bored people are boring people," and handing out the crispest dollar bills after a job well-done.
Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Dicus, father, Ralph E. Pfenninger, stepmother, Mary Pfenninger, brother Walter Pfenninger, and sister Rose Marie Torson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Billee Jeanne, sister Margaret Cook, son Steve Pfenninger, his wife Mary, son Lewis Pfenninger, and daughter Susan LeBegue.
Ralph’s legacy is also survived by seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, Heather Rimmer (Reese & Hudson), Sarah Halley and husband Josh (Nathan & Kaitlyn), Stephanie Noel (Alyssa Bartlett and husband Blake, Jacob & Kathryn), Jennifer LeBegue, Brian Pfenninger and wife Kristin (Story & Thea), Michelle LeBegue, and Christina McCluskey and husband Joe (Carolyn & Owen).
Viewing will be held at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd., OKC 73142 on Wednesday, April 5th, from 4-8 PM.
Services will be at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 7801 NW Expressway, OKC 73132 on Thursday, April 6th, at 11 AM.
Floral arrangements through Morrison Floral & Greenhouses, 4801 N. Meridian, OKC 73112.